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Craft Health is a healthcare research & development company committed to 3D-printed personalised healthcare. When it began looking for an accurate and precise print head for the manufacturing of personalised tablets, it came across ViscoTec. The solution that it needed had to comply with any regulatory requirement for manufacturing of nutraceuticals and pharmaceuticals. The ViscoTec print head vipro-HEAD convinced with its technology: using the endless-piston principle, it is possible to achieve accurate and precise dosing of Craft Blends – a proprietary mixture of different GRAS excipients for 3D printing and various controlled release profiles. Other advantages of ViscoTec are the stepper motor version in the print head, that allows easy integration to already existing gantry systems for 3D printing. Moreover, the wetted and non-wetted surfaces can be clearly separated and cleaned accordingly. To meet the requirements of Craft Health, the wetted surfaces of the vipro-HEAD were customised and refabricated using SS316L material to comply with FDA regulations. Dr Seng Han Lim is the co-founder…

Rows of computerised numerical control (CNC) machine tools sharing a workspace with industrial robots that transport machined parts, accompanied by a minimal number of machine operators, are already a common characteristic of the modern metalworking plant or machine shop. CNC machines are the catalyst that created progressive advances in computer data engineering that have enabled this new reality. Advanced multi-axis machines facilitate the production of very complicated shapes with minimal set-ups. Advanced milling and turning capabilities, combined together in multitasking machines, open new opportunities for effective process planning. Innovative CNC metal cutting systems are on the verge of single set-up, full-part production – the ultimate dream of every manufacturer. A quantum leap in CNC technology is enabling a practical understanding of machining methods that had been theoretical for a long time, such as power skiving. The progress made in the world of computerised numerical control is impressive. It has impacted related spheres such as workholding and toolholding – as well as the diverse world of cutting tools.…

Unfortunately, our use of plastic products is one of ‘make, take, and throw’, without thinking of its long-lasting impact on the environment. A recent CSIRO report, Advanced recycling technologies to address Australia’s plastic waste, showed human consumption of plastic over the period of 2016-17 reached some 3.4m tonnes. However, the following year, Australia managed to recycle less than 10% of all this waste! Reducing plastic waste is critical to our environment and our economy. Australia can no longer export waste to China, so we must find ways to deal effectively with it ourselves. Today, only half of our end-of-life plastics are recycled – some is compressed to go into landfill, taking decades to breakdown while exuding dangerous gases; some is incinerated; polluting the air; while other waste finds its way into the ocean with devastating consequences on bird and marine life. However, there is a way to rectify this by building a circular economy through effective plastic recycling processes. Due to plastic’s flexible…

It is a well-known fact that the welding industry is facing a global shortage of skilled welders. In Australia and New Zealand, we know this only too well. Top welders are in very high demand and command substantial annual salaries. Many experienced qualified welders are now over 45 years of age, and Millennials or Gen Z are not queueing up to enter the industry in sufficient numbers to even replace the aging welders of today. The harsh reality is that the situation is not going to get any better in the foreseeable future. Significant demand is building for qualified welding operators in the mining, defence and manufacturing sectors. Competition for the limited welding resources is intense and requires premium rates to be paid to attract and retain the best available talent. Small to medium manufacturing businesses are finding it hard to compete in this environment, with many struggling to find and retain crucial welding personnel. Add to this the constant cost pressures…

Picture a machine shop that is free from dangerous chemicals and harsh odours, while also enjoying increased productivity and high levels of employee health & safety. Now imagine parts fresh off the machine with a finish that looks like they have been polished. One might wonder how this can be achieved. The answer is simple: Hangsterfer’s. Since 1937 US-based company Hangsterfer’s Laboratories has been committed to producing high-performance metalworking lubricants that are environmentally friendly and operator-safe. Hangsterfer’s coolants are certified with the top international safety standards pertaining to hazardous substances and chemicals – REACH, RoHS, VOC and Globally Harmonised System (GHS) – and have additionally gained approval for use in industries such as medical, defence and aerospace. GHS regulations require products to have the appropriate safety data sheets and pictograms for all hazardous materials. However, Hangsterfer’s coolants are free of hazardous ingredients and as such, do not require pictograms depicting any potentially harmful substances. “The manufacturing industry has…

Founded in 1986 by Managing Director Albert Carrion, Sharp Tooling’s strong investment policy has helped it maintain an enviable position in advanced general engineering. Its latest purchase is an Okuma VTM-2000YB model, with OSP-P300SA-H controller, and accessories including a Capto C8 60-tool automatic tool changer. The five-axis machine has a 2,400mm swing capacity with a 1,400mm turning height. The machine is so large, Okuma engineers from Japan as well as locally assisted in its installation. “This is my second Okuma machine,” says Carrion. “I have been overwhelmed with the technical support, information and training we continue to receive for this machine, even under COVID-19 conditions. This is the largest Okuma machine of its type in Australia and its precision, outstanding rigidity and five-axis capabilities will take us into new markets. We now have the capability of new large general engineering jobs, with opportunities to provide even greater service. I have always strived to offer something special for my customers and we can…

We have all seen the politicians on the evening news, touring a factory and wearing their obligatory hi-vis vests. Almost every factory that I visit requires that we put one on. It is the accepted safety practice in any workplace where there are forklifts in operation. I appreciate the concern for safety, but I am amazed that we accept this as the best we can do to protect us from one of the most dangerous pieces of equipment in a factory. When we design any piece of automation equipment we are obliged by both law and morals to take all reasonable and practical actions to ensure the safety of everybody who comes into that plant. We undertake a detailed risk assessment and classify all the possible risks we can identify. For each risk we assess the likelihood of the occurrence (LO) happening, the frequency of exposure (FE), the degree of harm should it happen (DPH), and…

Unlike Victor Kiam, who was drawn into Remington by a close shave, the new North and South Americas Director for Australian laser technology pioneers ipLaser is in it to expand the future capabilities of laser cutting – already one of the world’s fastest-growing industries. Felipe Lechuga was already highly successful with his company Lemaco Corte Laser, headquartered in Chile, when he began his relationship with the Australian company. Lemaco was supplying finely engineered laser-cut metal components to Chilean companies in demanding industries such as aerospace, automotive, construction and electronics. Lechuga hit the headlines at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, using his decades in laser cutting and sheetmetal manufacturing to provide a “Made in Chile” solution to the lack of respirators. “Becoming a director of ipLaser and expanding the reach of our time-saving laser quotation technologies was a short step for me,” he says. “I have always been a geek for technology, software and machines,…

The competitive nature of Formula 1 (F1) racing pushes teams to develop the best solutions possible in their quest to reach the winner’s circle. Using tools like AM, F1 racing has become an inspiration to other enterprises on how to maintain the lead in their own industry. In F1, every gram of weight is critical. But simply cutting weight is not the only thing the McLaren team has to watch out for. The safety of the driver is of utmost importance as well. For this reason, it’s crucial for engineers to ensure they are meticulous in their approach regarding how loadbearing features of the car’s suspension are bonded together. Too much adhesive and the car will be slower, giving the other teams a chance to pull ahead. Too little adhesive is not an option either. In one clever example, McLaren printed clear surrogate suspension parts to practice the bonding process. The clear material lets technicians…

A common misconception in the metal working industry is that machining steel is simple. Experienced machinists know that turning ISO P steel is anything but. First among many concerns is the breadth of materials in the ISO P classification, which range from ductile low-carbon steels to high-alloyed. Secondly, the hardness of different steels ranges significantly from one end of the spectrum to the other. The type of application varies and so do machining conditions in workshops. Evidently, steel turning is challenging and given all variables, the task of selecting a grade to cater to the wide range of properties exhibited by ISO P steels is even more daunting. Grade of all trades For any such grade, fracture resistance is paramount – as is a cutting edge capable of delivering the hardness needed to resist plastic deformation…

Where high clamping force is needed, the ALQ Series Power Vice with its patented Mechanical Boost System is an ideal choice. Unlike traditional hydraulic vices, the Autowell mechanical boost system is fully protected against the ingress of dust, chips or coolant, eliminating the need to maintain or replace hydraulic seals. Another feature of the ALQ Series is the patented Force Adjustable System, this system allows the operator to choose from four preset clamping forces to suit differing components or materials needing higher or lower clamping pressure. Once the clamping force has been set, it will remain set and repeat, preventing damage to components from excessive pressure. In addition to a wide opening the ALQ also has an outer jaw design which increases the capacity even further by allowing workpieces to be clamp over the top of the standard jaws. Extended lifetime of the vice is assured as it is manufactured from rigid and tensile ductile iron with flame-hardened slide surfaces and carburised, heat-treated jaws to HRC54. The ALQ is…

As well as providing a boost to business development and new business opportunities for Australian and Dutch co-manufacturing, the partnership also provided a platform for Integra to demonstrate its commitment to the development and growth of the circular economy as a fundamental design principle in manufacturing in Australia. Speaking at the announcement, Dai Forterre, Senior Policy Officer for Economic Affairs with the Netherlands Embassy in Canberra, explained that while developing business opportunities for Dutch manufacturers in overseas markets is a prime focus of his responsibilities, an equally important part is identifying companies that share his and the Embassy’s vision for creating sustainable ways of doing business. “Sustainability is an important part of [the Dutch government’s] economic, as well as our foreign policy, more broadly,” remarked Forterre. “I spend my time not just in what you would call economic diplomacy but what I call ‘green diplomacy’ and that’s where this really important collaboration meets – it’s a balance between economic innovation and development, and the adoption of…

Today the partnership is stronger than ever and has made a real impact on childhood cancer support in Australia, helping fund critical emotional and mental health support, financial assistance, and information and resources to help families throughout the long and traumatic cancer experience. Over the 23-year partnership, BOC has raised more than $2.4m for Redkite. “Redkite and BOC have always had a similar philosophy, based on providing practical help when it’s most needed, as well as a deep commitment to community and looking after families who are doing it tough,” said Monique Keighery, Redkite’s CEO. “BOC’s generosity over the years has helped us achieve significant change that has made a real impact on the lives of children and their families.” BOC offers an innovative employee giving program, Hero time, which allows team members to take leave and donate the leave pay for those hours to Redkite. Employees are also encouraged to take part in Redkite fundraisers, such as Redkite’s first national Sun-Up Challenge, for which BOC was headline sponsor. In 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic, BOC…